JP6640748B2 - Dressing with fluid acquisition and dispensing features - Google Patents

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is based on U.S. Patent No. 119 (e), filed on Jun. 5, 2014, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 008,395 ("Dressing With Fluid Acquisition And Distribution Characteristics"). )), Which is hereby incorporated by reference in all respects.

  The present disclosure relates generally to treatment systems for treating tissue sites and treating fluids. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present disclosure relates to a dressing capable of laterally and vertically distributing fluid within the dressing. Dressings can be used to treat a tissue site, with or without reduced pressure.

  Clinical trials and practices have shown that applying reduced pressure in close proximity to a tissue site enhances and accelerates new tissue growth at the tissue site. Although there are many applications for this phenomenon, it has been found to be particularly advantageous for treating wounds. Regardless of the etiology of the wound, whether it is trauma, surgery, or another cause, proper care of the wound is important to the outcome. The treatment of wounds by reduced pressure may be generally referred to as "vacuum wound therapy", but is also known by other names including, for example, "negative pressure therapy", "negative pressure closure therapy", and "vacuum therapy". Decompression therapy offers a number of advantages, which may include epithelial and subcutaneous tissue migration, improved blood flow, and microdeformation of the tissue at the wound site. At the same time, these advantages can increase the occurrence of granulation tissue and reduce the time required for healing.

  Although the clinical benefits of decompression therapy are widely known, the cost and complexity of decompression therapy can be limiting factors for its application. The development and operation of decompression systems, their components, and processes continue to pose significant challenges to manufacturers, healthcare providers, and patients. In particular, vacuum dressings that include an absorbent member positioned proximate to the tissue site may experience loss or poor absorption of the absorbent material, which may lead to reduced pressure systems for delivering vacuum therapy to the tissue site. Affects ability.

  According to an illustrative embodiment, a system for treating a tissue site may include a manifold, a seal member, a pouch, and a vacuum source. The manifold can be adapted to be positioned adjacent a tissue site. The seal member may be adapted to cover the tissue site and the manifold to provide a fluid seal at the tissue site. The pouch may be for positioning between the manifold and the seal member. The pouch may include an upstream layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side, and a downstream layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side. The pouch may also include an absorbent member surrounded between the upstream and downstream layers. The hydrophilic side of the upstream layer may be positioned facing the absorbent member, and the hydrophilic side of the downstream layer may be positioned facing the absorbent member. A reduced pressure source may be in fluid communication with the manifold through the seal member.

  According to another illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for collecting fluid from a tissue site may include an upstream layer, a downstream layer, and an absorbent member. The upstream layer may have a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side, and the downstream layer may have a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side. An absorbent member may be positioned between the upstream and downstream layers. The hydrophilic side of the upstream layer may be positioned adjacent to and facing the absorbent member, such that the hydrophobic side of the upstream layer may form part of the outer portion of the device. Since the hydrophilic side of the downstream layer may be positioned adjacent to and facing the absorbent member, the hydrophobic side of the downstream layer may form another portion of the outer portion of the device. Fluid impinging on the outside of the device may be distributed laterally along the outside of the device before being absorbed by the absorbent member.

  According to yet another illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for collecting fluid from a tissue site may include an upstream layer, a seal member, and an absorbent member. The upstream layer can have a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side. The seal member is adapted to cover the tissue site and the upstream layer, and the seal member may be bonded to the upstream layer. The hydrophilic side of the upstream layer may be positioned facing the seal member. The absorbing member may be positioned between the upstream layer and the sealing member.

  According to yet another illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for collecting fluid from a tissue site may include an upstream layer, a downstream layer, an absorbent member, a seal member, and a non-adhesive interface. The upstream layer may have a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side, and the downstream layer may have a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side. An absorbent member may be positioned between the upstream and downstream layers. The hydrophilic side of the upstream layer may be positioned facing the absorbent member, and the hydrophilic side of the downstream layer may be positioned facing the absorbent member. A seal member may be positioned adjacent the downstream layer. The non-adhesive interface can be adapted to be positioned between the upstream layer and the tissue site. The seal member may be bonded to the downstream layer by a first hot melt web layer, and the non-adhesive interface may be bonded to the upstream layer by a second hot melt web layer.

  According to yet another illustrative embodiment, a method of treating a tissue site includes positioning a manifold adjacent a tissue site, providing a pouch, and positioning a pouch adjacent to the manifold. Covering the manifold and the pouch with a sealing member, withdrawing fluid from the tissue site, and distributing the fluid along an outer portion of the pouch. The pouch may have an upstream layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side, a downstream layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side, and an absorbent member surrounded between the upstream layer and the downstream layer. The hydrophilic side of the upstream layer may be positioned facing the absorbent member such that the hydrophobic side of the upstream layer may form part of the outer portion of the pouch. The hydrophilic side of the downstream layer may be positioned facing the absorbent member. The method may include positioning the pouch adjacent to the manifold such that the hydrophobic side of the upstream layer may be adjacent to the manifold. The manifold and pouch may be covered by a seal member to provide a fluid seal between the seal member and the tissue site. The method may also include withdrawing the fluid from the tissue site and distributing the fluid laterally along the outside of the pouch before the fluid is absorbed into the storage absorbent member.

  According to another illustrative embodiment, a method of manufacturing a fluid storage device includes the steps of providing a first layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side, and adjoining the hydrophilic side of the first layer. Positioning the absorbing member, providing a second layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side, and positioning the hydrophilic side of the second layer adjacent to the absorbing member. . The second layer may be positioned on the opposite side of the absorbent member from the first layer. The method may also include joining peripheral portions of the first layer and the second layer to surround the absorbent member.

  Other aspects, features, and advantages of the illustrative embodiments will become apparent with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a reduced pressure therapy system according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of a pouch associated with a wound dressing shown in the reduced pressure therapy system of FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded sectional view of the pouch of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another illustrative embodiment of a wound dressing. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another illustrative embodiment of a wound dressing. FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the improved absorption performance associated with wound dressings according to the present disclosure.

  In the following detailed description of non-limiting illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. Other embodiments may be used and logical, structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Descriptions of certain information known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be omitted so as to avoid those details that are not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein. The following detailed description is non-limiting, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments is defined by the appended claims. As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, "or" is not mutually exclusive.

  Although exemplary embodiments may be described herein in connection with providing reduced pressure therapy, many of the features and advantages are readily applicable to other environments and industries. For example, the exemplary embodiments can be used with or without reduced pressure therapy.

  Referring to FIG. 1, treatment system 100 includes a dressing 102 in fluid communication with a tissue site 106 and an optional reduced pressure source 104 for providing reduced pressure to a tube 120 fluidly coupled to reduced pressure source 104. And a connector 122 that fluidly couples the tube 120 to the dressing 102.

  The term “tissue site” refers to tissue within or within bone tissue, including but not limited to bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, nerve tissue, skin tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendon, or ligament. , Wounds or defects. Tissue sites include, for example, chronic, acute, traumatic, subacute, and dislodged wounds, intermediate layer burns, ulcers (eg, diabetic, pressure, or venous insufficiency ulcers), valves, and flaps. It may include a graft. The term “tissue site” may also refer to any tissue area that is not necessarily injured or missing, but instead, in an area where it may be desirable to support or promote additional tissue growth. is there. For example, reduced pressure may be used in some tissue areas to grow additional tissue, harvested and transplanted to another tissue location.

  A reduced pressure source, such as reduced pressure source 104, may be a reservoir of air at reduced pressure or may be used in manual or motorized devices capable of reducing pressure in a sealed volume, such as vacuum pumps, suction pumps, and many medical institutions. It may be a wall suction port or a micro pump. The reduced pressure source may be housed in or used with other components such as sensors, processors, alarm indicators, memory, databases, software, displays, or user interfaces that further facilitate reduced pressure therapy Is done. The amount and nature of the vacuum applied to the tissue site can vary according to the treatment conditions, but the pressure can be from about -5 mm Hg (-667 Pa) to about -500 mm Hg (-66.7 kPa). In some embodiments, the pressure can be from about -75 mm Hg (-9.9 kPa) to about -300 mm Hg (-39.9 kPa).

  In general, exudates and other fluids may flow along the fluid path to lower pressures. Further, the fluid may be attracted to flow through the water permeable material, among other materials, along the path of increasing hydrophilicity or water absorption. Thus, the term “downstream” may refer to components that are further along the fluid path than components that may be referred to as “upstream”.

  “Reduced pressure” may refer to a pressure below the local ambient pressure, such as the ambient pressure in a local environment outside the enclosed treatment environment. The local ambient pressure may be the atmospheric pressure where the patient is. Further, the pressure may be below the hydrostatic pressure associated with the tissue at the tissue site. Unless otherwise indicated, the pressure values mentioned herein are gauge pressures. Similarly, a reference to an increase in vacuum generally refers to a decrease in absolute pressure, while a decrease in vacuum generally refers to an increase in absolute pressure.

  The components of the treatment system 100 may be coupled directly or indirectly. The components may be fluidly coupled to each other to provide a path for transmitting a fluid (eg, a liquid and / or a gas) between the components. In some exemplary embodiments, the components may be fluidly coupled to a conduit, for example, tube 120. As used herein, "tube" may refer to a pipe, hose, conduit, or elongated structure comprising one or more lumens adapted to carry a fluid between two ends. In some exemplary embodiments, in addition or alternatively, the components are joined by physical proximity means that are integrated into a single structure or formed from the same piece of material. Can be done. Bonding may also include, in some situations, a mechanical, thermal, electrical, or chemical bond (such as a chemical bond).

  The reduced pressure created by reduced pressure source 104 may be delivered through tube 120 to connector 122. Connector 122 may be a device configured to fluidly couple vacuum source 104 to dressing 102. For example, reduced pressure may be provided to dressing 102 through a port located on connector 122. In some exemplary embodiments, connector 122 may include a flange portion 123 that couples to dressing 102 to secure connector 122 to dressing 102. Connector 122 may also include a primary filter 121 positioned for fluid communication between dressing 102 and connector 122. Primary filter 121 may include a hydrophobic material that is adapted to restrict the passage of liquid through connector 122 to tube 120. In one exemplary embodiment, connector 122 comprises Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (San Antonio, Texas). R. A. C. (Registered trademark) Pad or Sensa T.D. R. A. C. (Registered trademark) Pad. In other exemplary embodiments, connector 122 may also be a conduit inserted into dressing 102.

  Dressing 102 includes an optional manifold 110 adapted to be in fluid communication with tissue site 106, a pouch 112 adapted to be in fluid communication between tissue site 106 or manifold 110 and connector 122, An optional manifold 110 at the site 106 and a drape 108 over the pouch 112 may be included. Manifold 110 may be positioned within, over, or otherwise adjacent to tissue site 106. A pouch 112 may be placed adjacent to the manifold 110 and a drape 108 may be placed over the top of the manifold 110 and sealed to tissue near the tissue site 106. The tissue proximate to the tissue site 106 may be an intact epidermis around the tissue site 106. Thus, the dressing 102 can provide a sealed treatment environment proximate the tissue site 106 and substantially isolating the tissue site 106 from the external environment. The reduced pressure source 104 can reduce the pressure in the enclosed treatment environment. Vacuum applied uniformly through the manifold 110 to the enclosed treatment environment can induce macro and micro strain at the tissue site 106 and remove exudates and other fluids from the tissue site 106 and remove them from the pouch 112 Can be collected and disposed of properly.

  In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the manifold 110 may contact the tissue site 106. Manifold 110 may be in partial or full contact with tissue site 106. For example, if tissue site 106 extends from the tissue surface into the tissue, manifold 110 may partially or completely occlude tissue site 106. In other exemplary embodiments, manifold 110 may be positioned over tissue site 106. Manifold 110 may take many forms and have many sizes, shapes, or thicknesses, depending on various factors, such as the type of treatment being administered or the nature and size of tissue site 106. I can do it. For example, the size and shape of the manifold 110 can be adapted to the contours of deep and irregularly shaped tissue sites.

  Manifold 110 may include an object or structure adapted to distribute reduced pressure to a tissue site, remove fluid from a tissue site, or distribute reduced pressure to a tissue site and remove fluid from a tissue site. . In some exemplary embodiments, the manifold 110 may also facilitate delivering fluid to a tissue site, for example, when reversing the fluid path or providing a secondary fluid path. Manifold 110 may include a channel or flow path that distributes fluid brought to and displaced from tissue sites around manifold 110. In one exemplary embodiment, the channels or flow paths may be interconnected to improve the distribution of fluid brought into or out of the tissue site. For example, cellular foams, open-celled foams, porous tissue aggregates, and other porous materials such as gauze or felt mats are generally structures arranged to form flow channels. May contain elements. Liquids, gels, and other foams may also include channels or may harden to include channels.

  In one exemplary embodiment, the manifold 110 may be a porous foam material having open cells or pores adapted to distribute the reduced pressure substantially uniformly to the tissue site 106. The foam material may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In one non-limiting example, the manifold 110 is an open cell reticulated polyurethane foam, such as Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (San Antonio, Texas) and may be a GranuFoam® dressing.

  In instances where the manifold 110 may be made from a hydrophilic material, the manifold 110 may also wick fluid from the tissue site 106 while continuing to distribute the reduced pressure to the tissue site 106. The wicking characteristics of the manifold 110 can draw fluid from the tissue site 106 by capillary flow or other wicking mechanisms. Examples of hydrophilic foams are open-cell foams made of polyvinyl alcohol, such as Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (San Antonio, Texas). A. C. WhiteFoam® dressing. Other hydrophilic foams may include those made from polyethers. Other foams that can exhibit hydrophilicity include hydrophobic foams that have been treated or coated to provide hydrophilicity.

  The manifold 110 may further promote granulation at the tissue site 106 as pressure in the enclosed treatment environment is reduced. For example, any or all of the surface of the manifold 110 may have an uneven, rough, or jagged profile, such that when reduced pressure is applied to the tissue site 106 through the manifold 110, the tissue site At 106, small strains and stresses may be induced.

  In one exemplary embodiment, manifold 110 may be comprised of a bioresorbable material. Suitable bioresorbable materials can include, but are not limited to, a polymer blend of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA). Polymer blends can also include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate, polyfumarate, and capralactones. The manifold 110 may further serve as a scaffold for new cell growth, or the manifold 110 and scaffold material may be used together to promote cell growth. A scaffold is generally an object or structure used to promote or promote cell growth or tissue formation, for example, it can be a three-dimensional porous structure that provides a template for cell growth. Illustrative examples of scaffold materials can include calcium phosphate, collagen, PLA / PGA, coral hydroxyapatite, carbonate, or engineered allograft materials.

  The drape 108 or seal member may be composed of a material that can provide a fluid seal between two components or between two environments, for example, between a sealed treatment environment and a local surrounding environment. Drape 108 may be, for example, an impermeable or semi-permeable elastomeric material that may provide a suitable seal to maintain a reduced pressure at the tissue site for a given reduced pressure source. For semi-permeable materials, the permeability generally needs to be low enough to allow the passage of water vapor while the desired reduced pressure can be maintained. The drape 108 may further include a mounting device that may be used to mount the drape 108 to a mounting surface, such as an intact skin, gasket, or another seal member. The mounting device can take many forms. For example, the attachment device may be a medically-acceptable pressure-sensitive adhesive that extends around, partially or entirely around drape 108. Other exemplary embodiments of the attachment device may include a double-sided tape, glue, hydrocolloid, hydrogel, silicone gel, organogel, or acrylic adhesive.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the pouch 112 may include an absorbent member 124, a first outer layer such as an upstream layer 126, and a second outer layer such as a downstream layer 128. The upstream layer 126 and the downstream layer 128 wrap or surround the absorbent member 124. The absorbing member 124 can, for example, absorb fluid transmitted through the upstream layer 126.

  The absorbent member 124 may be formed of or include an absorbent material. The absorbent may retain, stabilize, and / or coagulate fluid that may be collected from the tissue site 106. The absorbent may be of the type called "hydrogel," "superabsorbent," or "hydrocolloid." The absorbent may include fibers or spheres that can manifold the reduced pressure. The spaces or voids between the fibers or spheres may allow the reduced pressure supplied to the dressing 102 to be transmitted into and through the absorbent member 124 to the manifold 110 and the tissue site 106. In some exemplary embodiments, the absorbent may be a Texas FP2325 or a Texas CCBSL130LL having a density of 800 grams per square meter (gsm) of material. In another exemplary embodiment, the absorbent is BASF Luquafleece 402C, Technical Absorbents 2317, available from Technical Absorbents (www.techsorbents.com), sodium polyacrylate superabsorbent, cellulosic materials (carboxymethylcellulose and MC). Salts such as sodium), or alginates.

  In some exemplary embodiments, the outer dimension of the upstream layer 126 and the downstream layer 128 is greater than the outer dimension of the absorbent member 124, so that the absorbent member 124 is positioned between the upstream layer 126 and the downstream layer 128. In this case, the upstream layer 126 and the downstream layer 128 extend beyond the outer periphery of the absorbing member 124. In some exemplary embodiments, the upstream layer 126 and the downstream layer 128 surround the absorbent member 124. The upstream layer 126 and the downstream layer 128 surround the absorbent member 124 because the peripheral portions of the upstream layer 126 and the downstream layer 128 can be joined. The upstream layer 126 and the downstream layer 128 may be joined by, for example, high frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, or impulse welding. In other exemplary embodiments, the upstream layer 126 and the downstream layer 128 may be joined, for example, by bonding or folding.

  Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the upstream layer 126 may include a first side, such as the hydrophobic side 130, and a second side, such as the hydrophilic side 132. The hydrophilic side 132 may be positioned adjacent to and facing the absorbent member 124. The hydrophobic side 130 may be positioned facing the tissue site 106. In this way, the hydrophobic side 130 of the upstream layer 126 may be the upstream side of the pouch 112. The upstream layer 126 may be formed of a non-woven material having a thickness 138. In some exemplary embodiments, the upstream layer 126 can have a fibrous porous structure made of polyester. The upstream layer 126 may not be perforated. In some embodiments, the upstream layer 126 may be formed of Libeltex TDL2 or Libeltex TL4, and may have a material density from about 80 gsm to about 150 gsm. In other exemplary embodiments, the material density may be lower or higher depending on the particular application of the pouch 112. Further, in some embodiments, multiple layers of material may be used to achieve a desired thickness for the upstream layer 126.

  The hydrophobic side 130 may be configured to distribute fluid along the upstream side of the pouch 112. The hydrophobic side 130 may also be referred to as a wicking side, a wicking surface, a distribution surface, a distribution side, or a fluid distribution surface. The hydrophobic side surface 130 may be a smooth distribution surface and is configured to move fluid through the upstream layer 126 along the grains of the upstream layer 126 and distribute the fluid throughout the upstream layer 126. Have been. The hydrophilic side 132 may be configured to obtain fluid from the hydrophobic side 130 and assist in moving the fluid to the absorbent member 124. The hydrophilic side 132 may also be referred to as a fluid acquisition side, a fluid acquisition side, a hydrophilic acquisition side, or a hydrophilic acquisition side. The hydrophilic side 132 may be a fibrous surface and may be configured to draw fluid into the upstream layer 126. Although shown as separate components in FIG. 3, the hydrophilic side 132 and the hydrophobic side 130 of the upstream layer 126 are opposing sides of the upstream layer 126, and to aid in describing the exemplary embodiment described. , Are shown as separate components.

  Downstream layer 128 may include a first side, such as hydrophilic side 134, which may be adjacent to and facing absorbent member 124, and a second side, such as hydrophobic side 136. The hydrophobic side 136 of the downstream layer 128 may also be the downstream side of the pouch 112. Downstream layer 128 may be formed of a nonwoven material having a thickness 140. In some exemplary embodiments, the downstream layer 128 may be formed with a fibrous porous structure made of polyester. Downstream layer 128 may not be perforated. In some embodiments, the downstream layer 128 may be formed of Libeltex TDL2 or Libeltex TL4, and may have a material density of about 80 gsm to about 150 gsm. In other exemplary embodiments, the material density may be lower or higher depending on the particular application of the pouch 112. The material density of the downstream layer 128 may be higher than the material density of the upstream layer 126. Further, in some embodiments, multiple layers of material may be used to achieve a desired thickness for downstream layer 128. In some embodiments, thickness 140 of downstream layer 128 may be greater than thickness 138 of upstream layer 126. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, thickness 140 may be approximately three times thickness 138.

  In some embodiments, the upstream layer 126 and / or the downstream layer 128 can be partially formed of an antimicrobial material. In such exemplary embodiments, the upstream layer 126 and / or the downstream layer 128 may include a polyhexanide or polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) antimicrobial in the structure to further extend the life of the dressing. Other materials may be incorporated into the upstream layer 126 and / or the downstream layer 128. For example, collagen or collagen ORC (oxidized regenerated cellulose) may be bonded to either the upstream layer 126 or the downstream layer 128 to modulate matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) at the tissue site 106. Collagen ORC has been shown to improve re-epithelialization time in chronic wounds.

  The hydrophilic side 134 of the downstream layer 128 may be located adjacent to and facing the absorbent member 124 of the absorbent member 124 opposite the hydrophilic side 132 of the upstream layer 126. The hydrophilic side 134 of the downstream layer 128 may be configured to acquire excess fluid that is not absorbed by the absorbent member 124. The hydrophilic side 134 of the downstream layer 128 may also be referred to as a fluid acquisition side, a fluid acquisition side, a hydrophilic acquisition side, or a hydrophilic acquisition side. The hydrophilic side 134 of the downstream layer 128 may be a fibrous surface and may be configured to draw fluid into the downstream layer 128. The hydrophobic side 136 of the downstream layer 128 may be configured to distribute fluid not included by the absorbent member 124 and the hydrophilic side 134 of the downstream layer 128. The hydrophobic side 136 may also be referred to as a wicking side, a wicking surface, a distribution surface, a distribution side, or a fluid distribution surface. The hydrophobic side surface 136 may be a smooth distribution surface and is configured to move fluid through the downstream layer 128 along the grain of the downstream layer 128 and distribute the fluid throughout the downstream layer 128. Although shown in FIG. 3 as separate components, the hydrophilic side 134 and the hydrophobic side 136 are opposing sides of the downstream layer 128 and are separate components to aid in the description of the described exemplary embodiment. As shown.

  As the fluid is absorbed, some absorbents may become saturated at the time the fluid enters the absorbent member itself. When the absorbent is saturated in one region before the saturation of the absorbent in the other region, the absorbent has the ability to move fluid from the point of inflow to multiple regions of the non-saturated absorbent. , Can drop. Further, if reduced pressure is applied, the amount of reduced pressure delivered to the tissue site may be reduced, reducing the therapeutic effectiveness of using reduced pressure. When water absorption and fluid management are reduced as described above, dressings need to be replaced more frequently, thereby increasing costs.

  As disclosed herein, treatment system 100 may overcome these and other disadvantages. For example, by disposing the hydrophobic side 130 of the upstream layer 126 facing the tissue site 106 adjacent to the manifold 110, the hydrophobicity of the hydrophobic side 130 allows the fluid to flow through the rows of the hydrophobic side 130 (FIG. (Not shown) along the width of the upstream layer 126. In this manner, fluid may move parallel to manifold 110 and tissue site 106. The lateral movement of the fluid may be substantially perpendicular to the vertical or downstream movement of the fluid away from the tissue site 106 toward the drape 108. This wicking action may cause fluid drawn from the tissue site 106 to spread laterally over a wider area before the fluid flows into the hydrophilic side 132 and the absorbent member 124. As the fluid moves through the upstream layer 126 from the hydrophobic side 130 toward the absorbent member 124, the hydrophilic side 132 is wetted by the fluid and allows the fluid to be drawn into the absorbent member 124. The gradient of hydrophilicity or water absorption increases from the hydrophobic side 130 to the hydrophilic side 132, so that fluid moves downstream from the tissue site 106 toward the absorbent member 124. The application of reduced pressure to the dressing 102 may further facilitate downstream movement of the fluid.

  In operation, increasing the thickness 140 and increasing the material density of the downstream layer 128 may assist in the distribution of reduced pressure to the upstream layer 126 and the manifold 110. In one exemplary embodiment, since the upstream layer 126 has a density of about 80 gsm and the downstream layer 128 can have a density of about 150 gsm, the relative thickness of the downstream layer 128 to the upstream layer 126 is: It is about 1.875. In other exemplary embodiments, the relative thickness of the downstream layer 128 to the upstream layer 126 can range from about 1.5 to about 3.0 for other applications. The distribution of reduced pressure by the downstream layer 128 may assist in wicking the hydrophobic side 130 of the upstream layer 126 so that fluid drawn from the tissue site 106 may be more evenly distributed within the dressing 102. In turn, a more even distribution of fluid withdrawn from the tissue site 106 allows for more efficient use of the absorbent member 124, increases time to change the dressing 102, and absorbs the same amount of fluid. Costs may be reduced because fewer dressings are required for the operation.

  By configuring the downstream layer 128 to include a hydrophobic side 136 on the top side of the pouch 112, the dressing 102 can be configured such that when the absorbent member 124 is saturated or gel-blocked in one region, the absorbent member Free fluid may be obtained from 124. The dressing 102 then wicks and redistributes the fluid over the top of the dressing 102 such that fluid wicking occurs on both sides of the pouch 112. For example, once a region of the absorbent 124 is saturated, the hydrophilic side 134 of the downstream layer 128 may draw and acquire excess fluid from the absorbent 124 to the adjacent portion of the hydrophilic side 134. This excess fluid may then migrate to the hydrophobic side 136 of the downstream layer 128. The hydrophobicity of the hydrophobic side 136 may cause fluid to move laterally along the grain of the hydrophobic side 136 (not shown) and along the width of the downstream layer 128. When the fluid reaches the lower hydrophilic side 134 and the unsaturated portion of the absorbent member 124 of the downstream layer 128, the fluid is drawn back down from the outer surface of the hydrophobic side 136 to the hydrophilic side 134 and the absorbent member 124. obtain. Because of the increased gradient of hydrophilicity from the hydrophobic side 136 to the hydrophilic side 134, and further to the absorbent member 124, the fluid is directed toward the absorbent member 124 to the area of the absorbent member 124 that is not currently saturated. Pulled back upstream. This may result in optimal fluid distribution and absorption in the pouch 112, and may further prevent premature saturation of the absorbent 124 or gel blockage.

  As described herein, the positioning of the upstream layer 126 and the downstream layer 128 may direct the grain of the upstream layer 126 and the downstream layer 128 to enhance the efficient use of the absorbent member 124. . By using a material that provides a wicking function, the efficient use of available absorbent material can be improved.

  The use of a layer that wicks fluid and diverges the reduced pressure allows for the controlled use of available absorbers. The layers arranged as described above distribute the reduced pressure so that the fluid is more evenly distributed to the absorbent member of the pouch, so that more fluid paths are used to distribute the fluid. The total time required to saturate the absorber of the absorber may be increased. The use of layers to form a pouch with structures of different hydrophilicity allows for better control of the fluid flowing into the absorbent member of the pouch. By using layers with different coatweights, the properties of the pouch can be adapted to applications in technically good and cost-effective solutions. The disclosed solution can increase the level of absorption before achieving capacity without the need for additional absorbents.

  Referring to FIG. 4, another illustrative embodiment of a dressing 400 suitable for use with the treatment system 100 is shown. Dressing 400 may include upstream layer 126, absorbent member 124, and drape 108. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-3, the upstream layer 126 may include a hydrophobic side 130 and a hydrophilic side 132. The hydrophilic side 132 is positioned adjacent and facing the absorbent member 124, such that the hydrophobic side 130 of the upstream layer 126 can also be on the upstream side of the dressing 400. In this way, as shown in FIG. 1, the hydrophobic side surface 130 may be adapted to be positioned facing the tissue site 106 and the manifold 110. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the hydrophobic side 130 may be configured to distribute fluid along the upstream layer 126, while the hydrophilic side 132 acquires fluid from the hydrophobic side 130. And may be configured to assist in moving fluid to the absorbent member 124. The upstream layer 126 may be formed of a non-woven material having a thickness 138. In some exemplary embodiments, the upstream layer 126 can have a fibrous porous structure made of polyester. The upstream layer 126 may not be perforated. In some embodiments, the upstream layer 126 may be formed of Libeltex TDL2 or Libeltex TL4, and may have a material density from about 80 gsm to about 150 gsm. In other exemplary embodiments, the material density may be lower or higher depending on the particular application of the pouch 112.

  With continued reference to FIG. 4, the drape 108 of the dressing 400 may cover both the upstream layer 126 and the absorbent member 124. The drape 108 may be positioned adjacent to the absorbent member 124 and extend beyond the edge of the absorbent member 124 to adhere to the upstream layer 126. Drape 108 may further include an attachment device that may be used to attach drape 108 to the surface of upstream layer 126. In this manner, the absorbent member 124 may be encapsulated or surrounded by the upstream layer 126 of the drape 108 and dressing 400.

  Referring to FIG. 5, another illustrative embodiment of a dressing 500 suitable for use with the treatment system 100 is shown. As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-3, dressing 500 may include pouch 112 and drape 108. Pouch 112 may include an upstream layer 126, an absorbent member 124, and a downstream layer 128. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the upstream layer 126 of the pouch 112 may include a hydrophobic side 130 and a hydrophilic side 132. The hydrophilic side 132 may be positioned adjacent to and facing the absorbent member 124. The hydrophobic side 130 may be adapted to face the tissue site 106 and the manifold 110. The hydrophobic side 130 may be configured to distribute fluid along the upstream layer 126, while the hydrophilic side 132 assists in obtaining fluid from the hydrophobic side 130 and moving the fluid to the absorbent member 124. It can be configured as follows.

  The downstream layer 128 of the pouch 112 may include a hydrophilic side 134 facing the absorbent member 124. As described above, the hydrophobic side 136 of the downstream layer 128 may be the downstream side of the pouch 112. The hydrophilic side 134 of the downstream layer 128 may be located on the opposite side of the absorbent member 124 from the hydrophilic side 132 of the upstream layer 126 and adjacent to the absorbent member 124. Similar to the previous embodiment, the hydrophilic side 134 may be configured to capture fluid not included in the absorbent member 124 and distribute by the hydrophobic side 136 of the downstream layer 128. The hydrophobic side 136 may be configured to move fluid laterally along the grain of the downstream layer 128 to be absorbed by the absorbent member 124.

  With continued reference to FIG. 5, the dressing 500 may further include an optional non-adhesive layer 502. The non-adhesive layer 502 may be positioned adjacent to the hydrophobic side 130 of the upstream layer 126. The non-adhesive layer 502 is disposed between the hydrophobic side 130 of the upstream layer 126 and the tissue site 106 and may be adapted to prevent adhesion of the tissue site 106 to the upstream layer 126. Non-adhesive layer 502 may also function to hold dressing 500 in place with respect to tissue site 106. The non-adhesive layer 502 may be a perforated silicone sheet or a pattern-coated silicone sheet with the acrylic adhesive arranged in “dots”. For example, perforations 504 provide fluid communication between tissue site 106 and pouch 112. Acrylic adhesive may prevent dressing 500 from moving under shear stresses, such as those associated with sacral wounds.

  In another illustrative embodiment (not shown), the components of the dressing according to the present disclosure may be configured as a borderless laminate structure. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, adjacent surfaces of the drape 108, the downstream layer 128, the absorbent member 124, and the upstream layer 126 may be laminated or joined. A hot melt polyester material or other bonding agent may be positioned, for example, between adjacent surfaces of these components to connect the components as a laminate structure. By joining adjacent surfaces of the dressing components together, an edge-exposed, borderless structure may be provided. In this way, the peripheral portions of the components may not be connected to each other, allowing each of the components to have an exposed edge. In some embodiments, a hydrophilic foam interface can be included in the laminate to position adjacent the tissue site as a non-adhesive interface.

  FIG. 6 illustrates the improved absorption and wicking performance associated with dressings according to the present disclosure. Absorbency comparison plot 600 compares the time at which 50 ml of the saline solution is delivered and absorbed by the dressing according to the present disclosure identified by plot 602 and the prior art dressing identified by plots 604 and 606. I have. Absorbency comparison plot 600 shows that the dressing of plot 602 performs better in acquiring and absorbing 0.9% saline solution in a 4-inch fluid head than the prior art dressings of plots 604 and 606. Indicates that

  The systems and methods described herein provide significant advantages, some of which have been mentioned above. For example, a treatment system may increase efficiency, reduce cost, and diverge the vacuum more widely. The disclosed exemplary embodiments may also be used with an in-line canister, for example, a fluid absorbing pouch or fluid absorbing canister located outside the dressing.

  While a number of illustrative non-limiting exemplary embodiments have been presented, various changes, substitutions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Any features described in connection with any one example embodiment may also be applicable to any other example embodiments. Furthermore, the method steps described herein may be performed in any suitable order or, where appropriate, simultaneously.

Claims (35)

In a system for treating a tissue site,
A manifold adapted to be positioned adjacent to the tissue site;
A sealing member adapted to cover the tissue site and the manifold to provide a fluid seal at the tissue site;
A pouch adapted to be positioned between the manifold and the seal member,
An upstream layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side,
A downstream layer having a hydrophilic side surface and a hydrophobic side surface, and an absorbing member surrounded between the upstream layer and the downstream layer, wherein the hydrophilic side surface of the upstream layer faces the absorbing member. A pouch, wherein the pouch is positioned, and wherein the hydrophilic side surface of the downstream layer is positioned facing the absorbent member, the pouch includes an absorbent member;
Look including the adapted reduced pressure source to be positioned through the manifold and fluid communication through the seal member, the hydrophobic side of the upstream layer is the fluid from the manifold flows toward the upstream layer is the absorbent A system configured to laterally distribute fluid along the hydrophobic side of the upstream layer before being absorbed by a member .   The system of claim 1, wherein the upstream layer has a first thickness, and the downstream layer has a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is equal to the first thickness. A system characterized by exceeding.   The system of claim 1, wherein the material density of the upstream layer is about 80 gsm.   The system of claim 1, wherein the downstream layer has a material density of about 150 gsm.   The system of claim 1, further comprising a non-adhesive layer adapted to be positioned between the upstream layer and the tissue site.   The system of claim 5, wherein the non-adhesive layer comprises a perforated silicone sheet.   7. The system of claim 6, wherein the perforated silicone sheet is pattern coated with an acrylic adhesive adapted to face the tissue site.   The system of claim 1, further comprising a connector coupled to the seal member and adapted to fluidly couple the reduced pressure source to the manifold.   The system of claim 8, further comprising a tube fluidly coupled between the reduced pressure source and the connector.   2. The system of claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic side of the upstream layer faces the hydrophobic side of the upstream layer, and wherein the hydrophilic side of the downstream layer comprises the hydrophobic side of the downstream layer. A system characterized by facing the sexual aspect.   The system of claim 1, wherein the downstream layer is adapted to be positioned between the absorbent member and the seal member.   2. The system of claim 1, wherein the upstream layer and the downstream layer each include a peripheral portion extending beyond the absorbent member, wherein the peripheral portion of the upstream layer is the peripheral portion of the downstream layer. And encapsulating the absorbent member.   The system of claim 1, wherein the seal member is coupled to the downstream layer.   The system of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic side of the upstream layer and the hydrophobic side of the downstream layer define at least a portion of an outer surface of the pouch, wherein the outer surface of the pouch includes The system characterized in that it is adapted to distribute fluid laterally along the outer surface before being absorbed by the absorbing member.   The system of claim 1, wherein the upstream layer is adapted to be positioned between the absorbent member and the manifold. An apparatus for collecting fluid from a tissue site, the apparatus comprising:
An upstream layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side;
A downstream layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side;
An absorbent member positioned between the upstream layer and the downstream layer, wherein the hydrophilic side surface of the upstream layer is positioned adjacent to and facing the absorbent member, and A hydrophobic side forming part of the outer portion of the device, and the hydrophilic side of the downstream layer is positioned adjacent to and facing the absorbent member, wherein the hydrophobic side of the downstream layer is An absorbent member wherein the sex side forms another part of the outer part of the device;
Including
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer portion of the device is adapted to laterally distribute fluid along the outer portion before the fluid is absorbed by the absorbent member.   17. The device of claim 16, wherein the upstream layer has a first thickness, and the downstream layer has a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is equal to the first thickness. An apparatus characterized by exceeding.   17. The device of claim 16, wherein the material density of the upstream layer is about 80 gsm.   17. The device of claim 16, wherein the upstream layer and the downstream layer each include a peripheral portion extending beyond the absorbent member, wherein the peripheral portion of the upstream layer is the peripheral portion of the downstream layer. And enclosing the absorbing member.   17. The device of claim 16, wherein the material density of the downstream layer is about 150 gsm.   17. The device of claim 16, wherein the upstream layer is adapted to be positioned adjacent the tissue site.   17. The device of claim 16, wherein the upstream layer and the downstream layer include an antimicrobial material.   23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the antimicrobial material comprises polyhexanide or polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB).   17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a seal member coupled to the downstream layer.   17. The device of claim 16, further comprising collagen or collagen oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) bonded to the upstream layer.   17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a seal member coupled to the upstream layer. An apparatus for collecting fluid from a tissue site, comprising:
An upstream layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side;
A seal member adapted to cover the tissue site and the upstream layer, wherein the seal member is bonded to the upstream layer, and wherein the hydrophilic side surface of the upstream layer faces the seal member. A sealing member, which is positioned as follows;
Look including an absorbent member positioned between said sealing member and said upstream layer,
The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophobic side of the upstream layer is configured to distribute fluid along the upstream layer . An apparatus for collecting fluid from a tissue site, the apparatus comprising:
An upstream layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side;
A downstream layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side;
An absorbent member positioned between the upstream layer and the downstream layer, wherein the hydrophilic side surface of the upstream layer is positioned facing the absorbent member, and the hydrophilic side surface of the downstream layer is An absorbing member positioned so as to face the absorbing member;
A seal member positioned adjacent to the downstream layer;
A non-adhesive interface adapted to be positioned between the upstream layer and the tissue site;
The hydrophobic side of the upstream layer is configured to laterally distribute fluid along the hydrophobic side of the upstream layer before the fluid is absorbed by the absorbent member;
The seal member is bonded to the downstream layer by a first hot melt polyester material , and the non-adhesive interface is bonded to the upstream layer by a second hot melt polyester material . apparatus.   29. The device of claim 28, wherein said non-adhesive interface comprises a hydrophilic foam. In the method for manufacturing a fluid storage device,
Providing a first layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side;
Positioning an absorbent member adjacent to the hydrophilic side surface of the first layer;
Providing a second layer having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side;
Positioning the hydrophilic side of the second layer adjacent to the absorbing member, wherein the second layer is positioned opposite the absorbing member from the first layer; Steps;
By combining the peripheral portion of the first layer and the second layer, it viewed including the step of surrounding the absorbing member between the first layer and the second layer,
The hydrophobic side surface of the first layer is configured to laterally direct fluid along the hydrophobic side surface of the first layer before the fluid flowing toward the first layer is absorbed by the absorbing member. A method, wherein the method is configured to distribute to 31. The method of claim 30 , wherein joining the peripheral portions of the first layer and the second layer comprises welding the peripheral portions of the first layer and the second layer together. A method, comprising: 31. The method of claim 30 , wherein joining the peripheral portions of the first layer and the second layer comprises bonding the peripheral portions of the first layer and the second layer to each other. A method, comprising: 31. The method of claim 30 , wherein joining the peripheral portions of the first layer and the second layer comprises folding the peripheral portions of the first layer and the second layer together. A method, comprising: 31. The method of claim 30 , wherein the material density of the first layer is about 80 gsm. 31. The method of claim 30 , wherein the second layer has a material density of about 150 gsm.

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